On Top Of The World At Four Seasons Hotel London

It’s a curious place to be—in a secret garden found on top of one of London’s historic architectural landmarks, hidden behind a giant statue of Old Father Thames. But, if you book the Skyline Penthouse at Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge, you will be able to have exclusive access to this Italianate, marble courtyard—placing you in a one-of-a-kind, lofty position over London.

In fact, having opened earlier this year at the Four Seasons property in the heart of the City, the five-bedroom Skyline Penthouse elevates London living in more ways than one. With its luxury interiors and elite experiences, a stay here gives an immersive experience into what is at the forefront of luxury travel right now: exclusivity, privacy and quiet luxury. Whether it is for those wanting an extended stay in London, for a wekeend away or maybe to mark a special occasion, the demand for private residences—attached to luxury hotels—is on the rise.

Mckinsey & Company’s 2024 travel trends report ‘Updating perceptions about today’s luxury Traveler’ sums up the trend and details what HNW travelers are looking for: “High-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), with assets ranging between $1 million and $5 million… seek privacy and exclusivity. Very-high-net-worth individuals (VHNWIs), with assets ranging between $5 million and $30 million, are relatively more likely to book large suites to preserve intimacy and tranquility, prefer end-to-end experiences steeped in local ambiance, and may be less focused on hotel brand names. Ultrahigh-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs), with more than $30 million in assets, prefer quiet luxury with personalized service—and tailored experiences available nowhere else.”

Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge is found in an historic Beaux-Arts building, which was once the HQ for the Port of London Authority. Grandeur is at the heart of its bones. Its majestic, colonnaded façade hints at trade links going back to Roman times. While, inside, the original central rotunda, topped by a magnificent glass dome, was created to emulate that of nearby St. Paul’s Cathedral. Dating back to 1922, the Grade II-listed building was once a bustling civic hub, where more than 1,200 people came each day to pay port dues for the many boats arriving in London

These days, the hotel cuts more of a serene scene with the rotunda serving a sedate breakfast and afternoon tea, rather than receiving taxes; a tinkling piano replaces the hubbub of office workers. Tucked away on the sixth floor is the Skyline Penthouse which drills down further into the demand for discretion and tailored stays that harness the elements of quiet luxury.

Spanning some 843 metres, it is a sprawling property boasting opulent interiors by designer Martin Kemp, formerly the creative director at Candy & Candy, one of the leading interior design agencies for ‘trophy homes’. Step into the vestibule and you are greeted with polished marble floors and a series of show-stopping, contemporary chandeliers, setting the scene for what is to come. The apartment is divided into three distinct sections, set apart from each other by wooden curved doors. The first is the more public-facing area, with a study, kitchen, dining room, lounge and library. The double lounge, in particular, oozes panache with its deep, velvet sofas, a state-of-the-art fireplace and marble tables. The palette is one of jewel colours, where walls are hung with oil paintings and surfaces have covetable objet d’arts.

The distressed-mirrored dining room gives a nod to the building’s Art Deco heritage, while the sleek kitchen has everything you need for private dining (including adjoining butler’s quarters). For a quiet moment, the library, meanwhile, boasts London and heritage-themed books that thoughtfully connect you to the destination.

Heading deeper into the apartment, the second section leads onto the guest rooms; in-laid marquetry floors, juxtaposed with marble-floored corridors, give a feeling that you could be on a luxury yacht. Bedrooms, meanwhile, feel cocooning with oversized headboards, silk-papered walls and thick carpets. Mid-apartment is a cosy cinema room, perfect for film nights with friends and family. You’ll also pass a secret paneled door, open it to find a mini lift that takes you up to the rooftop garden.

Move on to the third section and there is also a gym equipped with Precor equipment, another guest bedroom and a lavish master suite, which boasts two walk-in wardrobes and two bathrooms. Luxury is woven throughout, with the main suite being a paeon to British craftsmanship, with textiles, finishings and furniture by leading names, especially sourced by Kemp. Detailing is everything, from the exquisite velvet cushions to the dove-grey silk headboard. Walnut wardrobes lead on to lavish, marble bathrooms with hi-tech Japanese loos, and shelves stocked with Codage toiletries from Paris (the master also has its own steam room). It’s the world of Succession come to life.

Best of all, perhaps, the penthouse has another bonus: 360-degree panoramas of London’s skyline with a wrap-around terrace that overlooks Tower Bridge, the Tower of London and the rooftops of the city.

While guests can simply decamp here and enjoy London in privacy, the Penthouse also comes with a series of perks that elevate a stay further. A 24-hour butler is on hand to cater to every possible need. Private chefs can be arranged for dining-room or terrace dining or to mark special occasions (guests can also access meals at the hotel’s two Michelin-starred La Dame de Pic London, the acclaimed Asian restaurant Mei Ume or book an exclusive wine dinner and tasting at the Private Members Club, featuring the legendary Château Latour.) Afternoon tea—including the current festive menu—can also be served in the penthouse. When it comes to wellness, personal trainers can create bespoke workouts in the private gym or you can book treatments or hammam experiences in the hotel’s spa. Guests can also access a chauffeur-driven Rolls Royce or a private luxury boat experience on the Thames for top-tier transportation.

Up on the roof, the secret garden has been carved out of one of the building’s historic turrets. You can hide away behind the towering marble columns, which are shrouded in greenery, and relax for a while on marble benches which are cool to the touch. The garden places you behind the statue of Old Father Thames, who is riding a two-horse chariot, his trident hold aloft. You can just about spot his chiselled contours. His trident is pointing to the east, in homage to bygone trade routes but, perhaps, now more significant, he might be pointing to the future of luxury travel.